Advent and Christmas 2025
We have had a lovely autumn here and now we are moving into the winter months. For the church, this means the season of Advent is upon us. This transition brings with it a rich and meaningful time in the church calendar. We mark the weeks by lighting an Advent candle each Sunday on the Advent wreath. We sing songs of hope and expectation as we prepare our hearts to welcome Christ at Christmas.
This year for Advent, we will hold calming, contemplative mid-week services at 7pm starting on Dec. 3rd, each week in December until Christmas Eve. We will offer two worship services on Christmas Eve this year: a children and family oriented 4:30pm service and an evening traditional service at 9:30pm. We will celebrate communion and sing Silent Night by candlelight at both services.
Come, live into the hope of this season and be fed for the journey into the new year.
Come hear the best news in the world: that Jesus Christ is with us now and forever!
God's hope and love be with you,
Worship Services
Join us each Sunday for Worship at 10:00 am
Staffed nursery available at 9:00 am
Adult Bible Study, 9:00 am
Children’s Sunday School, 9:15 am
Advent Vespers Services
Wednesday Evenings at 7:00 pm
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December 3rd
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December 10th
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December 17th
Enjoy a quiet service of reflection each Wednesday evening during Advent. All are invited and welcome.
Lessons and Carols Service
December 21st at 10 am
A special worship service of Biblical verse and music featuring all St. James music groups.
Christmas Eve Services
4:30 pm
Bring the kids to a family-oriented Christmas Eve celebration. One hour service.
9:30 pm
Come celebrate the birth of Jesus at this beloved candlelight service.
Fellowship Events
Scandinavian Style Advent Dinner
Sunday, November 30th from 5 pm until 7 pm
Come celebrate the start of Advent—fun for the whole family!
Enjoy Nordic Dancers, a potluck dinner featuring meatballs & lefse, and craft Advent wreaths together!
Annual Cookie Exchange
Saturday, December 13th at 9 am
Join the Women of St. James for the annual cookie exchange. Bring six dozen of your favorite holiday cookies, to share and for the bake sale on Sunday, Dec. 14. All proceeds to benefit ProjectFRESH.
Holiday Brass Celebration Concert
December 14th at 3 pm
Come enjoy a free afternoon holiday concert at St. James Lutheran featuring the Chicago Brass Band & St. James Brass Ensemble. Bring produce donations for ProjectFRESH. A free will offering will be collected. Open to the community. All are welcome!
Tree Decorating
Saturday, December 20th at 9:00 am
A St. James tradition! Decorate the beautiful Christmas tree in the Sanctuary with our heirloom ornaments.